Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Chromosomes

What are prokayotes?

Cells with no membrane bound organelles, including a nucleus, causing a difference in chromosome structure and DNA replication compared to eukaryotes

What are eukaryotes?

Eukaryotas are cells that have a nucleus, and organelles that have different functions(like the mitochondria, which produces energy).

What is the shape of chromosomes in most prokaryotes?

A single ring with tiny DNA rings called plasmids

What is the shape of chromosomes in eukaryotes?

The x-shaped structure

What is each chromosomes made up of?

Two chromatids (one from each parent)

What is each chromatid made up of?

Long strand of chromatin coiled and wrapped

What is chromatin made up of?

DNA coiled around 8 positively charged protein complexes called histone proteins

Why are histone proteins positively charged?

Lysine and arginine give the proteins a positive charged protein complexes, making them attracted to the chromatin (negative because of the phosphate group) through electrostatic attraction

What is DNA coiled around a histone called?

Nucleosome

What is a solinoid?

Six nucleoosomes coiled together in a group

Where does most of the understanding of DNA replication come from?

Study of bacteria

What are some of the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

- Prokayrotes have only one replication origin and replication fork while eukaryotes have multiple (their genomes are larger and linear)

- Enzymes in eukaryotes are slightly different in structure compared to prokaryotes